Housing solutions
Allocation of housing
DHA aims to maximise the number of available properties during the peak posting period, minimise vacancies at other times and minimise the number of Defence families receiving RA. The web-based system, Online Services, is the main tool used by Defence members and their families to view properties they might be eligible to occupy (determined by location, rent band and family composition). Online systems, their capabilities and the quality of the service to Defence members are continually being enhanced in conjunction with improved regional workforce structures.
At 30 June 2014, 82% of the total Defence demand was satisfied by DHA-managed housing with the balance in private rental accommodation. The 2013–14 monthly average of Defence families on RA was 18%. One reason for the shift is the increase in the proportion of Defence members approved for RA following service recognition of an interdependent relationship, including de facto relationships. DHA generally does not have the opportunity to offer accommodation in these circumstances.
Housing is allocated in accordance with a classification system under which DHA-managed properties are assigned to one of five rent bands set by Defence, in consultation with DHA, and updated annually. Rent bands are determined by geographical location with individual houses assigned to a rent band based on their market rent. The system enables Defence members to access housing in accordance with their ranks and family-based entitlements.
Living-In Accommodation
DHA entered into an agreement with Defence in June 2013 to manage the booking and allocation of LIA. A national roll out of a new booking and allocation service for on-base LIA was completed in 2013–14.
The new arrangements include an online automated booking tool that caters for permanent, group and individual transit (short-term) requests. Defence has approximately 39,900 beds nationally across 53 Defence bases. The LIA booking and allocation service is supported by a dedicated LIA contact centre that is based in Brisbane. The ownership and responsibility for maintenance of LIA assets remain the responsibility of Defence.
Defence bases in Queensland transitioned to the new booking arrangements in the second half of 2013. The remaining bases progressively transitioned over the remainder of the 2013–14 financial year.
The booking and allocation service provides a single access point for Defence members and employees to make and confirm LIA bookings. It also provides Defence managers with real-time and historical information regarding LIA assets to inform decision making at local, regional and national levels.
Rent Allowance
In addition to supplying and managing housing for Defence members, DHA is contracted by Defence to administer the payment of RA to Defence members who are accommodated in the private rental market. Defence members are responsible for finding their own private rental accommodation. However, they engage DHA when seeking approval for the arrangements they have negotiated with agents and landlords.
In the normal course of events, administration of RA involves approving the start of a housing-related allowance, conducting an annual review to confirm a continuing entitlement and administering the termination at the end of an approved arrangement. However, administration of RA can be complex involving changes to payment as members' circumstances change (for example, deployment on operations, sharing arrangements and movement to/from Defence schools and courses).
MCA
In 2006 DHA began providing apartments for Members Without Dependants and Members With Dependants (Unaccompanied) Choice Accommodation (MCA) in Darwin as an alternative to RA. This agreement has been extended nationally. More than 11,000 Defence members are housed in private rental accommodation. By 30 June 2014, the off-base apartment portfolio held 425 apartments. The Board approved a plan to expand this to 1,000 apartments by 2015–16. Work is well advanced to meet this plan.
